Tire with bi-directional performance

Abstract

A method of mounting a tire on a vehicle includes providing a tire having a first side, a second side, and a circumferential tread disposed about the tire. The first side defines a first forward rotation direction that is a rotation of the tire in a counterclockwise direction when the tire is mounted on a vehicle in a first orientation and viewed from the first side. The second side defines a second forward rotation direction of the tire that is a rotation of the tire in the counterclockwise direction when the tire is mounted on the vehicle in a second orientation opposite the first orientation and viewed from the first side. The circumferential tread includes a plurality of tread elements. At least one of the tread elements includes a sipe arrangement that causes the tire to exhibit a first tire performance when the tire is mounted on the vehicle in the first orientation and rotated in the first forward rotation direction. The sipe arrangement causes the tire to exhibit a second tire performance that is different from the first tire performance when the tire is mounted on the vehicle in the second orientation and rotated in the second forward rotation direction. The method further includes mounting the tire on the vehicle in the first orientation for driving the vehicle in a first set of conditions, and mounting the tire on the vehicle in the second orientation for driving the vehicle in a second set of conditions.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to the field of tire performance and tire mounting. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to tires having a different characteristic when rotated in different directions or mounted in different orientation.

BACKGROUND

Tires of different tread patterns and construction are known in the art. Both symmetric and asymmetric tread patterns may be configured to optimize certain features, such as braking performance, wet handling, dry handling, snow handling, traction, wear, noise reduction, and rolling resistance. The position and orientation of carcass plies and other elements may also be configured to optimize such features. Tires can be categorized into symmetric tires, asymmetric tires and directional tires. Symmetric tires have no preferred mounting method while asymmetric tires have a preferred outboard face and directional tires have a preferred rolling direction.

Many vehicles have different performance needs for tires on a front axle versus tires on a rear axle. The front axle may support a greater portion of the weight of the vehicle. In some instances, the front axle may support 60% of the weight of the vehicle. Additionally, in front wheel drive tires, the rear tires only contribute to braking, and contribute no driving force. Similarly, in rear wheel drive tires, the front tires contribute only to braking and contribute no driving force.

Additionally, the radial and lateral forces may be distributed differently in the front and rear tires. Further, the camber of front tires may be different from that of rear tires in some vehicles. This causes different parts of a tread pattern to engage a rolling surface on a front tire versus a rear tire.

FIG. 1 is a sample histogram illustrating the distribution of fore/aft forces on front and rear tires of exemplary rear wheel drive vehicles driven on a simulated road course. The histogram is not meant to illustrate properties of a specific tire or specific car, but is presented here to illustrate some of the different forces exerted on front tires versus rear tires.

The illustrated example shows forces on two different cars. The x-axis represents a ratio of the fore-aft force to the static front load of a tire. The negative numbers on the axis represent a braking force and the positive numbers represent a driving force. The y-axis represents the percentage of each occurrence.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, rear wheel drive vehicles often exert small braking forces on the front tires, and may occasionally exert larger braking forces on the front tires. However, as one would expect, rear wheel drive tires do not any exert driving force on the front tires.

By contrast, FIG. 1 illustrates that rear wheel drive vehicles often exert small driving forces on the rear tires, and occasionally exert larger driving forces on the rear tires. Rear wheel drive vehicles may also exert small to medium braking forces on the rear tires.

Although the histogram of FIG. 1 is specific to a given simulated road course, it should be understood that while changes to the road course would affect the histogram, the general differences between front and rear tires would still hold.

While “directional tires” are known in the art, it was not generally known how such tires would perform in both a clockwise and counterclockwise direction. Therefore, a sample of existing directional tires were tested on a flat belt tire test machine, which closely controls and sweeps through a matrix of slip rates and loads while recording reaction forces and moments at the tire/wheel assembly center. Table 1 shows the Peak Fx metric relating to dry traction calculated from the resulting data.

TABLE 1

Tire A:

Tire B:

Tire C:

Tire D:

Tire E:

Non Directional

Directional AS

Directional Summer

Directional AS

Directional Summer

Rolling

Rolling

Diff

Rolling

Rolling

Diff

Rolling

Rolling

Diff

Rolling

Rolling

Diff

Rolling

Rolling

Diff

CW

CCW

(%)

CW

CCW

(%)

CW

CCW

(%)

CW

CCW

(%)

CW

CCW

(%)

Braking

3905

3907

−0.06

4097

4221

−2.99

4133

4158

−0.60

4291

4215

1.78

5048

4968

1.60

Peak Fx

Driving

4323

4391

−1.55

4748

4629

2.53

4760

4833

−1.52

4799

4925

−2.59

5338

5318

0.38

Peak Fx

In Table 1, Peak Fx is the greatest longitudinal force on the slip ratio versus a longitudinal force (N) curve. Peak Fx is known by those skilled in the arts to correlate with traction performance.

As can be seen in Table 1, although the directional tires are configured to be rotated in a specific direction, the differences in peak Fx due to changing the rolling direction were never greater than 3%. Some of the 3% difference is likely due to the error in the testing/measurement, because even the Non Directional Tire A showed differences. Accordingly, current directional tires do not display a significant difference in dry driving or braking traction to affect a significant change in on vehicle performance based on tire rolling direction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a method of mounting a plurality of tires on a vehicle having a front axle and a rear axle is disclosed. The method includes providing four tires, including a first tire, a second tire, a third tire, and a fourth tire. Each of the four tires has a first side, a second side, and a circumferential tread disposed about the tire. The first side of each of the four tires is substantially the same. The second side of each of the four tires is substantially the same. The circumferential tread of each of the four tires is substantially the same. The circumferential tread of each of the four tires has a plurality of tread elements, with each of the tread elements having an asymmetric sipe arrangement that causes the tire to exhibit a first tire performance when the tire is mounted on a vehicle in a first orientation and rotated in a first forward rotation direction, and a second tire performance that is different from the first tire performance when the tire is mounted on the vehicle in a second orientation and rotated in a second forward rotation direction. The tire performance is selected from braking, dry driving traction, noise, wear performance, and snow traction performance. The method further includes mounting the first tire on a first wheel, mounting the second tire on a second wheel, mounting the third tire on a third wheel, and mounting the fourth tire on a fourth wheel. The method also includes mounting the first wheel on a left end of a front axle of the vehicle in the first orientation, such that the first side of the first tire faces away from the vehicle. The method further includes mounting the second wheel on a right end of the front axle of the vehicle in the first orientation, such that the first side of the second tire faces away from the vehicle. The method also includes mounting the third wheel on a left end of a rear axle of the vehicle in the first orientation, such that the second side of the third tire faces away from the vehicle. The method further includes mounting the fourth wheel on a right end of the rear axle of the vehicle in the first orientation, such that the second side of the fourth tire faces away from the vehicle.

In another embodiment, a method of mounting a plurality of tires on a vehicle having a front axle and a rear axle is disclosed. The method includes providing four tires, including a first tire, a second tire, a third tire, and a fourth tire. Each of the four tires has a first side, a second side, and a circumferential tread disposed about the tire and having discrete rotational asymmetry of the second order that causes the tire to exhibit a first tire performance when the tire is mounted on a vehicle in a first orientation and rotated in a first forward rotation direction, and a second tire performance that is different from the first tire performance when the tire is mounted on the vehicle in a second orientation and rotated in a second forward rotation direction. The first side of each of the four tires is substantially the same. The second side of each of the four tires is substantially the same. The circumferential tread of each of the four tires is substantially the same. The method further includes mounting the first tire on a first wheel, mounting the second tire on a second wheel, mounting the third tire on a third wheel, and mounting the fourth tire on a fourth wheel. The method also includes mounting the first wheel on a left end of a front axle of the vehicle, such that the first side of the first tire faces away from the vehicle and such that the first tire is in the first orientation. The method further includes mounting the second wheel on a right end of the front axle of the vehicle, such that the second side of the second tire faces away from the vehicle and such that the second tire is in the first orientation. The method also includes mounting the third wheel on a left end of a rear axle of the vehicle, such that the first side of the third tire faces away from the vehicle and such that the third tire is in the first orientation. The method further includes mounting the fourth wheel on a right end of the rear axle of the vehicle, such that the second side of the fourth tire faces away from the vehicle and such that the fourth tire is in the first orientation. The method also includes removing the first wheel and first tire from the front axle of the vehicle. The method further includes removing the second wheel and second tire from the front axle of the vehicle, removing the third wheel and third tire from the rear axle of the vehicle, and removing the fourth wheel and fourth tire from the rear axle of the vehicle. The method also includes mounting the first wheel and first tire on the right end of the rear axle of the vehicle, such that the first side of the first tire faces away from the vehicle and such that the first tire is in the second orientation. The method further includes mounting the second wheel and second tire on the left end of the rear axle of the vehicle, such that the second side of the second tire faces away from the vehicle and such that the second tire is in the second orientation. The method also includes mounting the third wheel and third tire on the right end of the front axle of the vehicle, such that the second side of the third tire faces away from the vehicle and such that the third tire is in the second orientation. The method further includes mounting the fourth wheel and fourth tire on the left end of the front axle of the vehicle, such that the second side of the fourth tire faces away from the vehicle and such that the fourth tire is in the second orientation.

In yet another embodiment, a method of mounting a tire on a vehicle includes providing a tire having a first side, a second side, and a circumferential tread disposed about the tire. The first side defines a first forward rotation direction that is a rotation of the tire in a counterclockwise direction when the tire is mounted on a vehicle in a first orientation and viewed from the first side. The second side defines a second forward rotation direction of the tire that is a rotation of the tire in the counterclockwise direction when the tire is mounted on the vehicle in a second orientation opposite the first orientation and viewed from the first side. The circumferential tread includes a plurality of tread elements. At least one of the tread elements includes a sipe arrangement that causes the tire to exhibit a first tire performance when the tire is mounted on the vehicle in the first orientation and rotated in the first forward rotation direction. The sipe arrangement causes the tire to exhibit a second tire performance that is different from the first tire performance when the tire is mounted on the vehicle in the second orientation and rotated in the second forward rotation direction. The method further includes mounting the tire on the vehicle in the first orientation for driving the vehicle in a first set of conditions, and mounting the tire on the vehicle in the second orientation for driving the vehicle in a second set of conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings, structures are illustrated that, together with the detailed description provided below, describe exemplary embodiments of the claimed invention. Like elements are identified with the same reference numerals. It should be understood that elements shown as a single component may be replaced with multiple components, and elements shown as multiple components may be replaced with a single component. The drawings are not to scale and the proportion of certain elements may be exaggerated for the purpose of illustration.

FIG. 1 is a sample histogram illustrating the distribution of fore/aft forces on front and rear tires of exemplary rear wheel drive vehicles;

FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of a perspective view of one embodiment of a tire 100 having first and second rolling directions;

FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of a front view of the tire 100 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of a multi-perspective view of the tire 100 of FIG. 2, showing the tire in a first orientation and a second orientation;

FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing illustrating a plurality of tires 100 mounted on axles of a vehicle;

FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing illustrating service rotations of the plurality of tires 100 mounted on axles of the vehicle of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a schematic drawing of a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a tire 300 having first and second rolling directions;

FIG. 8 is a schematic drawing of a front view of the tire 300 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a schematic drawing of a multi-perspective view of the tire 300 of FIG. 7, showing the tire in a first orientation and a second orientation;

FIG. 10 is a schematic drawing illustrating a plurality of tires 300 mounted on axles of a vehicle;

FIG. 11 is a schematic drawing illustrating service rotations of the plurality of tires 300 mounted on axles of the vehicle of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a schematic drawing of a multi-perspective view of a tire 500 having first and second mounting positions in a first orientation and a second orientation;

FIG. 13 is a schematic drawing illustrating a plurality of tires 500 mounted on axles of a vehicle;

FIG. 14 is a schematic drawing illustrating service rotations of the plurality of tires 500 mounted on axles of the vehicle of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a schematic drawing of a profile of one embodiment of a tread element for a tire;

FIG. 16 is a schematic drawing of a profile of an alternative embodiment of a tread element for a tire;

FIG. 17 is a schematic drawing of a profile of another alternative embodiment of a tread element for a tire;

FIG. 18 is a schematic drawing of a profile of yet another alternative embodiment of a tread element for a tire;

FIG. 19 is a schematic drawing of a profile of still another alternative embodiment of a tread element for a tire; and

FIG. 20 is a schematic drawing of a profile of yet another alternative embodiment of a tread element for a tire.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following includes definitions of selected terms employed herein. The definitions include various examples or forms of components that fall within the scope of a term and that may be used for implementation. The examples are not intended to be limiting. Both singular and plural forms of terms may be within the definitions.

“Axial” or “axially” refer to a direction that is parallel to the axis of rotation of a tire.

“Bead” refers to the part of the tire that contacts the wheel and defines a boundary of the sidewall.

“Carcass ply” refers to a structural member that connects the bead to a tread, and may be continuous or discrete.

“Circumferential” and “circumferentially” refer to a direction extending along the perimeter of the surface of the tread perpendicular to the axial direction.

“Equatorial plane” refers to the plane that is perpendicular to the tire's axis of rotation and passes through the center of the tire.

“Radial” and “radially” refer to a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of a tire.

“Sidewall” refers to that portion of the tire between the tread and the bead.

“Tread” refers to that portion of the tire that comes into contact with the road under normal inflation and load.

Directions are stated in this disclosure with reference to a top view of a vehicle, with respect to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The terms “inward” and “inwardly” refer to a general direction towards the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, whereas “outward” and “outwardly” refer to a general direction away from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Thus, when relative directional terms such as “inner” and “outer” are used in connection with an element, the “inner” element is spaced closer to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle than the “outer” element. Similarly, the terms “left” and “right” are stated in reference to a top view of the vehicle on which tires are mounted, with respect to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The terms “front” and “rear” are also stated in reference to a vehicle on which tires are mounted.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a perspective view and side view, respectively, of a schematic drawing of one embodiment of a tire 100 having an axle specific rolling direction. FIG. 4 shows a multi-perspective view of the tire 100 in a first orientation 110a and a second orientation 110b. The tire 100 is described in reference to all of these figures.

The tire 100 includes a first and second bead portion (not shown), a first sidewall 120a, and a second sidewall 120b. The tire 100 has two rotation directions. When the tire is viewed from the second sidewall 120b (as shown in FIG. 3), the first rotation direction of the tire 100 is in the clockwise direction and the second rotation direction of the tire 100 is in the counterclockwise direction.

The tire 100 further includes at least one carcass ply (not shown) extending from the first bead portion to the second bead portion, a circumferential belt disposed above the carcass ply (not shown), and a circumferential tread 130 disposed above the belt. The circumferential tread 130 has a tread pattern shown schematically at 140. In one embodiment, the tread pattern 140 has discrete rotational asymmetry of the second order, which causes the tire 100 to be directional. Therefore, when the tire 100 is in the first orientation 110a, the tread pattern 140 has a first appearance, and when the tire 100 is placed in the second orientation 110b, the reversed tread pattern 140 has a second appearance different from the first appearance.

The asymmetry of the tread pattern may cause the tread to exhibit different properties when the tire 100 is rotated in the first direction versus the second direction. The tread pattern and the position and orientation of the carcass ply may be selected such that desirable properties for a front tire are exhibited when the tire 100 is rotated in the first direction, and desirable properties for a rear tire are exhibited when the tire 100 is rotated in the second direction.

For example, the tread pattern may be selected such that when the tire is rotated in the first rotation direction, the circumferential tread exhibits a first braking performance and a first driving traction performance, and when the tire is rotated in the second direction, the circumferential tread exhibits a second braking performance that is lower than the first braking performance and a second driving traction performance that is higher than the first driving traction performance. In rear wheel drive vehicles, it may be more advantageous for the rear tires to exhibit higher driving traction performance. In front wheel drive vehicles, it may be more advantageous for the front tires to exhibit higher driving traction performance.

In another example, the tread pattern may be selected such that the circumferential tread exhibits a first wear performance when rotated in the first direction, and a second wear performance different from the first wear performance when rotated in the second direction. For example, in front wheel drive vehicles, front tires tend to wear faster. In rear wheel drive tires, rear tires tend to wear faster. The tread pattern may be selected to reduce the discrepancy between the wear rates of front and rear tires.

In yet another example, the tread pattern may be selected such that the circumferential tread exhibits a first snow traction performance when rotated in the first direction, and a second snow traction performance that is different from the first snow traction performance when rotated in the second direction. The tread pattern may also be selected such that other properties are affected by a change in rotation direction.

Additionally, or in the alternative, the position and orientation of the carcass ply may be selected such that the carcass ply causes the tire to exhibit different properties according to the rotation direction. Such differences in carcass plies may not be readily observable from the exterior of the tire, but the tire would still exhibit asymmetric properties.

In one embodiment, the first rotation direction may be indicated as a Front Rotation Direction, and the second rotation direction may be indicated as a Rear Rotation Direction on one or more locations on the tire. As can be seen in the illustrated embodiment, a first indicia 150a is disposed on the first sidewall 120a and a second indicia 150b is disposed on the second sidewall 120b of the tire 100. Both the first indicia 150a and the second indicia 150b include an indicator designating the first rotation direction as a front tire rotation direction and the second rotation direction as a rear tire rotation direction. While the illustrated embodiment shows arrows with a written description, it should be understood that the indicia may take any form or size.

Such indicia may be used to aid a person in mounting axle specific tires on a vehicle. As shown in FIG. 5, the properties of the tire 100 may be selected so that four tires having substantially the same sidewalls, carcass plies, and circumferential tread may be mounted on a vehicle 200 in such a way that first and second tires 100₁, 100₂ on a front axle 210 exhibit different properties than third and fourth tires 100₃, 100₄ mounted on a rear axle 220.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first tire 100₁ is mounted on a first wheel (not shown), the second tire 100₂ is mounted on a second wheel (not shown), the third tire 100₃ is mounted on a third wheel (not shown), and the fourth tire 100₄ is mounted on a fourth wheel (not shown). The first wheel and tire are mounted on a left end of the front axle 210 of a vehicle 200, such that a first sidewall 120a₁ of the first tire 100₁ faces outwards, (i.e., away from the vehicle 200), and a second sidewall 120b₁ of the first tire 100₁ faces inwards (i.e., towards the vehicle 200). The second wheel and tire are mounted on a right end of the front axle 210 of the vehicle 200, such that a first sidewall 120a₂ of the second tire 100₂ faces inwards, and a second sidewall 120b₂ of the second tire 100₂ faces outwards. The third wheel and tire are mounted on a left end of the rear axle 220 of the vehicle 200, such that a first sidewall 120a₃ of the third tire 100₃ faces inwards, and a second sidewall 120b₃ of the third tire 100₃ faces outwards. The fourth wheel and tire are mounted on a right end of the rear axle 220 of the vehicle 200, such that a first sidewall 120a₄ of the fourth tire 100₄ faces outwards, and a second sidewall 120b₄ of the fourth tire 100₄ faces inwards.

It should be understood that the tires may be mounted on the vehicle in any order, and that certain steps described above may be performed concurrently or in a different order.

When servicing the vehicle, the tires may be rotated in the manner illustrated in FIG. 6, without having to dismount the tires from the wheels. The first wheel and tire are removed from the front axle 210 of the vehicle 200 and the fourth wheel and tire are removed from the rear axle 220 of the vehicle 200. The first wheel and tire are mounted on the right end of the rear axle 220 of the vehicle 200, such that the first sidewall 120a₁ of the first tire 100₁ faces outwards, and the second sidewall 120b₁ of the first tire 100₁ faces inwards. The fourth wheel and tire are mounted on the left end of the front axle 210 of the vehicle 200, such that a first sidewall 120a₄ of the fourth tire 100₄ faces outwards, and a second sidewall 120b₄ of the fourth tire 100₄ faces inwards.

The second wheel and tire are removed from the front axle 210 of the vehicle 200 and the third wheel and tire are removed from the rear axle 220 of the vehicle 200. The second wheel and tire are mounted on the left end of the rear axle 220 of the vehicle 200, such that a first sidewall 120a₂ of the second tire 100₂ faces inwards, and a second sidewall 120b₂ of the second tire 100₂ faces outwards. The third wheel and tire are mounted on the right end of the front axle 210 of the vehicle 200, such that a first sidewall 120a₃ of the third tire 100₃ faces inwards, and a second sidewall 120b₃ of the third tire 100₃ faces outwards.

It should be understood that the steps of rotating tires may be performed in any order and that certain steps described above may be performed concurrently or in a different order. Additionally, it should also be understood that the tires may be dismounted from the wheels such that they may be remounted in any position.

While FIGS. 2-6 illustrate bidirectional tires that exhibit desirable front tire characteristics when rotated in a first direction, and desirable rear tire characteristics when rotated in a second direction, bidirectional tires may also be designed to exhibit desirable summer performance characteristics when rotated in a first direction, and desirable winter performance characteristics when rotated in a second direction. FIGS. 7 and 8 show a perspective view and side view, respectively, of a schematic drawing of one embodiment of a tire 300 having a season specific rolling direction. FIG. 9 shows a multi-perspective view of the tire 300 in a first orientation 310a and a second orientation 310b. The tire 300 is described in reference to all of these figures.

The tire 300 includes a first and second bead portion (not shown), a first sidewall 320a, and a second sidewall 320b. The tire 300 has two rotation directions. When the tire is viewed from the second sidewall 320b (as shown in FIG. 8), the first rotation direction of the tire 300 is in the clockwise direction and the second rotation direction of the tire 300 is in the counterclockwise direction.

The tire 300 further includes at least one carcass ply (not shown) extending from the first bead portion to the second bead portion, a circumferential belt disposed above the carcass ply (not shown), and a circumferential tread 330 disposed above the belt. The circumferential tread 330 has a tread pattern shown schematically at 340. In one embodiment, the tread pattern 340 has discrete rotational asymmetry of the second order, which causes the tire 300 to be directional. Therefore, when the tire 300 is in the first orientation 310a, the tread pattern 340 has a first appearance, and when the tire 300 is placed in the second orientation 310b, the reversed tread pattern 340 has a second appearance different from the first appearance.

The asymmetry of the tread pattern may cause the tread to exhibit different properties when the tire 300 is rotated in the first direction versus the second direction. The tread pattern and the position and orientation of the carcass ply may be selected such that desirable properties for summer performance are exhibited when the tire 300 is rotated in the first direction, and desirable properties for winter performance are exhibited when the tire 300 is rotated in the second direction.

For example, the tread pattern may be selected such that the circumferential tread exhibits a first snow traction performance when rotated in the first direction, and a second snow traction performance that is different from the first snow traction performance when rotated in the second direction. The tread pattern may also be selected such that other properties are affected by a change in rotation direction.

In another example, the tread pattern may be selected such that when the tire is rotated in the first rotation direction, the circumferential tread exhibits a first stopping distance performance, and when the tire is rotated in the second direction, the circumferential tread exhibits a second stopping distance performance that is lower than the first stopping performance. Stopping distance performance may be more important in summer, when vehicles tend to be driven at higher speeds.

In yet another example, the tread pattern may be selected such that the circumferential tread exhibits a first wear performance when rotated in the first direction, and a second wear performance different from the first wear performance when rotated in the second direction. For example, tires tend to wear slower in the winter when they are driven over snow. The tread pattern may be selected to reduce the discrepancy between the wear rates in summer and winter.

In still another example, the tread pattern may be selected such that the circumferential tread exhibits a first noise performance when rotated in the first direction, and a second noise performance different from the first noise performance when rotated in the second direction. For example, tires tend to be quieter in the winter when they are driven over snow. The tread pattern may be selected to reduce the discrepancy between the tire noise in summer and winter.

Additionally, or in the alternative, the position and orientation of the carcass ply may be selected such that the carcass ply causes the tire to exhibit different properties according to the rotation direction. Such differences in carcass plies may not be readily observable from the exterior of the tire, but the tire would still exhibit asymmetric properties.

In one embodiment, the first rotation direction may be indicated as a Summer Rotation Direction, and the second rotation direction may be indicated as a Winter Rotation Direction on one or more locations on the tire. As can be seen in the illustrated embodiment, a first indicia 350a is disposed on the first sidewall 320a and a second indicia 350b is disposed on the second sidewall 320b of the tire 300. Both the first indicia 350a and the second indicia 350b include an indicator designating the first rotation direction as a summer rotation direction and the second rotation direction as a winter rotation direction. While the illustrated embodiment shows arrows with a written description, it should be understood that the indicia may take any form or size.

Such indicia may be used to aid a person in mounting season specific tires on a vehicle. As shown in FIG. 10, the properties of the tire 300 may be selected so that four tires having substantially the same sidewalls, carcass plies, and circumferential tread may be mounted on a vehicle 400 in such a way that all tires 300₁, 300₂, 300₃, 300₄ exhibit desirable summer performance characteristics.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first tire 300₁ is mounted on a first wheel (not shown), the second tire 300₂ is mounted on a second wheel (not shown), the third tire 300₃ is mounted on a third wheel (not shown), and the fourth tire 300₄ is mounted on a fourth wheel (not shown). The first wheel and tire are mounted on a left end of the front axle 410 of a vehicle 400, such that a first sidewall 320a₁ of the first tire 300₁ faces outwards, (i.e., away from of the vehicle 400), and a second sidewall 320b₁ of the first tire 3001h faces inwards (i.e., towards the vehicle 400). The second wheel and tire are mounted on a right end of the front axle 410 of the vehicle 400, such that a first sidewall 320a₂ of the second tire 300₂ faces inwards, and a second sidewall 320b₂ of the second tire 300₂ faces outwards. The third wheel and tire are mounted on a left end of the rear axle 420 of the vehicle 400, such that a first sidewall 320a₃ of the third tire 300₃ faces outwards, and a second sidewall 320b₃ of the third tire 300₃ faces inwards. The fourth wheel and tire are mounted on a right end of the rear axle 420 of the vehicle 400, such that a first sidewall 320a₄ of the fourth tire 300₄ faces inwards, and a second sidewall 320b₄ of the fourth tire 100₄ faces outwards.

It should be understood that the tires may be mounted on the vehicle in any order, and that certain steps described above may be performed concurrently or in a different order.

To change direction of the tires when the season changes, the tires may be rotated in the manner illustrated in FIG. 11, without having to dismount the tires from the wheels. The first wheel and tire are removed from the front axle 410 of the vehicle 400 and the fourth wheel and tire are removed from the rear axle 420 of the vehicle 400. The first wheel and tire are mounted on the right end of the rear axle 420 of the vehicle 400, such that the first sidewall 320a₁ of the first tire 300₁ faces outwards, and the second sidewall 320b₁ of the first tire 300₁ faces inwards. The fourth wheel and tire are mounted on the left end of the front axle 410 of the vehicle 400, such that a first sidewall 320a₄ of the fourth tire 300₄ faces inwards, and a second sidewall 320b₄ of the fourth tire 100₄ faces outwards.

The second wheel and tire are removed from the front axle 410 of the vehicle 400 and the third wheel and tire are removed from the rear axle 420 of the vehicle 400. The second wheel and tire are mounted on the left end of the rear axle 420 of the vehicle 400, such that a first sidewall 320a₂ of the second tire 300₂ faces inwards, and a second sidewall 320b₂ of the second tire 300₂ faces outwards. The third wheel and tire are mounted on the right end of the front axle 410 of the vehicle 400, such that a first sidewall 320a₃ of the third tire 300₃ faces outwards, and a second sidewall 320b₃ of the third tire 300₃ faces inwards.

It should be understood that the steps of rotating tires may be performed in any order and that certain steps described above may be performed concurrently or in a different order. Additionally, it should also be understood that the tires may be dismounted from the wheels such that they may be remounted in any position.

FIG. 12 shows a multi-perspective view of another embodiment of a tire 500 in a first orientation 510a and a second orientation 510b. The tire 500 includes a first and second bead portion (not shown), a first sidewall 520a, and a second sidewall 520b. The first and second sidewall 520a,b define a first mounting position and a second mounting position of the tire, in that the first sidewall 520a faces outwards in the first mounting position, and the second sidewall faces 520b faces outwards in the second mounting position.

The tire 500 further includes at least one carcass ply (not shown) extending from the first bead portion to the second bead portion, a circumferential belt disposed above the carcass ply (not shown), and a circumferential tread 530 disposed above the belt. The circumferential tread 530 has a tread pattern shown schematically at 540. The tread pattern 540 is asymmetric about the equatorial plane of the tire 500. Therefore, when the tire 500 is in the first orientation shown in FIG. 4, the tread pattern 540 has a first appearance, and when the tire 500 is rotated to the second orientation shown in FIG. 7, the reversed tread pattern 540 has a second appearance different from the first appearance.

The asymmetry of the tread pattern may cause the tread to exhibit different properties when the tire 100 is mounted in the first mounting position versus the second mounting position. For example, the tread pattern may be selected to account for first wear characteristics when a tire is mounted in the first position, and to account for second wear characteristics different from the first wear characteristics when the tire is mounted in the second position. As one of ordinary skill in the art would understand, the front and rear tires may have different cambers. Additionally, the weight of the vehicle may be distributed different on the front and rear axles. These differences may cause the front tires to have different footprints from the rear tires. The tread patterns in the first and second mounting positions of the tires may be selected to account for these different footprints.

In another example, the tread pattern may be selected such that the circumferential tread exhibits a first snow traction performance when mounted in the first position, and a second snow traction performance different from the first snow traction performance when mounted in the second position.

The tread pattern may also be selected such that other properties are affected by a change in mounting position. For example, the front and rear tires of a vehicle may experience different lateral forces. The tread pattern may be selected to effectively manage these different lateral forces.

Additionally, or in the alternative, the position and orientation of the carcass ply may be selected such that the carcass ply causes the tire to exhibit different properties according to the mounting position. Such differences in carcass plies may not be readily observable from the exterior of the tire, but the tire would still exhibit asymmetric properties.

The tread pattern and the position and orientation of the carcass ply may be designed to account for the different forces that are exhibited on the front and rear tires. Such different forces may cause the front and rear tires to wear differently.

In such an embodiment, the first mounting direction may be indicated as a Front Mounting Position, and the second rotation direction may be indicated as a Rear Mounting Position on one or more locations on the tire. As can be seen in the illustrated embodiment, a first indicia 550a is disposed on the first sidewall 520a and a second indicia 550b is disposed on the second sidewall 520b of the tire 500. While the illustrated embodiment shows indicia that includes a written description, it should be understood that the indicia may take any form or size.

Such indicia may be used to aid a person in mounting axle specific tires on a vehicle. As shown in FIG. 8, the properties of the tire 500 may be selected so that four tires having substantially the same sidewalls, carcass plies, and circumferential tread may be mounted on a vehicle 600 in such a way that first and second tires 500₁, 500₂ on a front axle 610 exhibit different properties than third and fourth tires 500₃, 500₄ mounted on a rear axle 620.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first tire 500₁ is mounted on a first wheel (not shown), the second tire 500₂ is mounted on a second wheel (not shown), the third tire 500₃ is mounted on a third wheel (not shown), and the fourth tire 500₄ is mounted on a fourth wheel (not shown). The first wheel and tire are mounted on a left end of the front axle 610 of a vehicle 600, such that a first sidewall 520a₄ of the first tire 500₁ faces outwards, and a second sidewall 520b₁ of the first tire 500₁ faces inwards. The second wheel and tire are mounted on a right end of the front axle 610 of the vehicle 600, such that a first sidewall 520a₂ of the second tire 500₂ faces outwards, and a second sidewall 520b₂ of the second tire 500₂ faces inwards. The third wheel and tire are mounted on a left end of the rear axle 620 of the vehicle 600, such that a first sidewall 520a₃ of the third tire 500₃ faces inwards, and a second sidewall 520b₃ of the third tire 500₃ faces outwards. The fourth wheel and tire are mounted on a right end of the rear axle 620 of the vehicle 600, such that a first sidewall 520a₄ of the fourth tire 500₄ faces inwards, and a second sidewall 520b₄ of the fourth tire 500₄ faces outwards.

It should be understood that the tires may be mounted on the vehicle in any order, and that certain steps described above may be performed concurrently or in a different order.

When servicing the vehicle, the tires may be rotated in the manner illustrated in FIG. 9, without having to dismount the tires from the wheels. The first wheel and tire, and second wheel and tire are removed from the front axle 610 of the vehicle 600. The first wheel and tire are mounted on the right end of the front axle 620 of the vehicle 600, such that the first sidewall 520a₁ of the first tire 500₁ faces outwards, and the second sidewall 520b₁ of the first tire 500₁ faces inwards. The second wheel and tire are mounted on the left end of the front axle 610 of the vehicle 600, such that a first sidewall 520a₂ of the second tire 500₂ faces outwards, and a second sidewall 520b₂ of the second tire 500₂ faces inwards.

The third wheel and tire, and fourth wheel and tire are removed from the rear axle 620 of the vehicle 600. The third wheel and tire are mounted on the right end of the rear axle 620 of the vehicle 600, such that a first sidewall 520a₃ of the third tire 500₃ faces inwards, and a second sidewall 520b₃ of the third tire 500₃ faces outwards. The fourth wheel and tire are mounted on the left end of the rear axle 620 of the vehicle 600, such that a first sidewall 520a₄ of the fourth tire 500₄ faces inwards, and a second sidewall 520b₄ of the fourth tire 500₄ faces outwards.

It should be understood that the steps of rotating tires may be performed in any order and that certain steps described above may be performed concurrently or in a different order. Additionally, it should also be understood that the tires may be dismounted from the wheels such that they may be remounted in any position.

In each of the embodiments described above, and illustrated in FIGS. 2-14, directional tread elements may be selected for the tire that display first characteristics when rotated in a first direction, and second characteristics different from the first characteristics when rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction. FIGS. 15-19 illustrate examples of tread elements that exhibit different characteristics in different rolling directions. While each of these figures illustrate a single feature, it should be understood that tread elements may employ two or more of the illustrated features. For the sake of brevity the various combinations of features are not shown herein.

FIG. 15 is a profile view of one embodiment of a tread element 700 that exhibits first characteristics in a first rolling direction D₁ and second characteristics in a second rolling direction D₂. The tread element 700 includes a first wall 710 and a second wall 720. The first wall 710 is disposed at a first angle α₁ with respect to the base 730 of a groove in the tire. The second wall 720 is disposed at a second angle α₂ with respect to the base 730 of a groove in the tire that is greater than the first angle α₁. When the tire is rotated in the first direction D₁, the top of the tread element 700 and the first wall 710 form a leading edge (i.e., the edge that first comes into contact with the rolling surface). When the tire is rotated in the second direction D₂, the top of the tread element 700 and the second wall 720 form a leading edge. The shallower angle α₁ of the first wall 710 causes lower edge pressure on the tread element 700 when the tire is rotated in the first direction D₁, compared to when the tire is rotated in the second direction D₂. This effect is utilized to achieve directional performance of the lug related to traction, wear, noise and other tire performance characteristics.

FIG. 16 is a profile view of another embodiment of a tread element 800 that exhibits first characteristics in a first rolling direction D₁ and second characteristics in a second rolling direction D₂. The tread element 800 includes a first wall 810 and a second wall 820. The tread element 800 includes a plurality of sipes 830 adjacent the second wall, and no sipes adjacent the first wall. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the tread element may have sipes adjacent both wall, but a greater number of sipes adjacent the second wall.

When the tire is rotated in the first direction D₁, the top of the tread element 800 and the first wall 810 form a leading edge. When the tire is rotated in the second direction D₂, the top of the tread element 800 and the second wall 820 form a leading edge, and the sipes 830 provide additional edges adjacent the leading edge. This effect is utilized to achieve directional performance of the lug related to traction, wear, noise and other tire performance characteristics.

FIG. 17 is a profile view of yet another embodiment of a tread element 900 that exhibits first characteristics in a first rolling direction D₁ and second characteristics in a second rolling direction D₂. The tread element 900 includes a first wall 910 and a second wall 920. The tread element 900 includes a plurality of angled sipes 930. When the tire is rotated in the first direction D₁, the rolling surface provides a shear force on the top of the tread element 900 that causes the angled sipes 930 to open and provide additional edges. When the tire is rotated in the second direction D₂, the rolling surface provides a shear force on the top of the tread element 900 that causes the angled sipes 930 to close, thereby eliminating the additional edges. This effect is utilized to achieve directional performance of the lug related to traction, wear, noise and other tire performance characteristics.

FIG. 18 is a profile view of still another embodiment of a tread element 1000 that exhibits first characteristics in a first rolling direction D₁ and second characteristics in a second rolling direction D₂. The tread element 1000 includes a first wall 1010 and a second wall 1020. The tread element 1000 includes a plurality of ratchet-shaped sipes 1030, that may be referred to as three-dimensional (or 3D) sipes 1030. When the tire is rotated in the first direction D₁, the rolling surface provides a shear force on the top of the tread element 1000 that causes the ratchet-shaped sipes 1030 to open and provide additional edges. When the tire is rotated in the second direction D₂, the rolling surface provides a shear force on the top of the tread element 1000 that causes the ratchet-shaped sipes 1030 to close, thereby eliminating the additional edges. This effect is utilized to achieve directional performance of the lug related to traction, wear, noise and other tire performance characteristics.

FIG. 19 is a profile view of still another embodiment of a tread element 1100 that exhibits first characteristics in a first rolling direction D₁ and second characteristics in a second rolling direction D₂. The tread element 1100 includes a first wall 1110 and a second wall 1120. The tread element 1100 includes an edge treatment. In this embodiment, the edge treatment is a rounded chamfer 1130 extending from the second wall 1120 to a top surface of the tread element 1100. When the tire is rotated in the first direction D₁, the top of the tread element 1100 and the first wall 1110 form a leading edge. When the tire is rotated in the second direction D₂, the top of the tread element 1100 and the second wall 1120 form a leading edge. The rounded chamfer 1130 extending from the second wall 1120 causes lower edge pressure on the tread element 1100 when the tire is rotated in the second direction D₂, compared to when the tire is rotated in the first direction D₁. It should be understood that other edge treatments may also be employed, such as planar chamfers.

It should be understood that the tread element 1100 may be a lug, bounded by a pair of grooves. Alternatively, the tread element 1100 may represent a portion of a lug, bounded by a pair of sipes.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rounded chamfer 1130 has a length that is substantially greater than its height. In one particular embodiment, the length is four times greater than the height. In another known embodiment, the length is two times greater than the height. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the height is greater than or equal to the length.

FIG. 20 is a profile view of still another embodiment of a tread element 1200 that exhibits first characteristics in a first rolling direction D₁ and second characteristics in a second rolling direction D₂. The tread element 1200 shows that multiple features may be encompassed in a single tread element. In the illustrated embodiment, the tread element 1200 includes a first wall 1210, and an edge treatment such as a rounded chamfer 1130 extending from the second wall 1220 to a top surface of the tread element 1200. The tread element further includes ratchet shaped sipes 1240 that are disposed at an angle and proximal to the first wall 1210. However, it should be understood that any combination of the above embodiments may be included in a single tread element.

To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “or” is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “A or B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B but not both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed. Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See, Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into” are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean “on” or “onto.” Furthermore, to the extent the term “connect” is used in the specification or claims, it is intended to mean not only “directly connected to,” but also “indirectly connected to” such as connected through another component or components.

While the present disclosure has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the disclosure, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A method of mounting a tire on a vehicle, the method comprising: providing a tire having a first side, a second side, and a circumferential tread disposed about the tire, wherein the first side defines a first forward rotation direction that is a rotation of the tire in a counterclockwise direction when the tire is mounted on a vehicle in a first orientation and viewed from the first side,wherein the second side defines a second forward rotation direction of the tire that is a rotation of the tire in the counterclockwise direction when the tire is mounted on the vehicle in a second orientation opposite the first orientation and viewed from the first side,wherein the circumferential tread includes a plurality of tread elements, each of the plurality of tread elements having a rolling surface and edges,wherein at least one of the plurality of tread elements includes a plurality of sipes that are ratchet-shaped in a depth direction of the tire,wherein the plurality of sipes that are ratchet-shaped are disposed on a first half of the tread element and no sipes are disposed on a second half of the tread element,wherein the plurality of sipes that are ratchet-shaped in a depth direction of the tire causes the tire to exhibit a first tire performance when the tire is mounted on the vehicle in the first orientation and rotated in the first forward rotation direction, the tire performance being selected from the group consisting of braking, dry driving traction, noise, wear performance, and snow traction performance,wherein the plurality of sipes that are ratchet-shaped in a depth direction of the tire causes the tire to exhibit a second tire performance that is different from the first tire performance when the tire is mounted on the vehicle in the second orientation and rotated in the second forward rotation direction,wherein, when the tire is rotated in the first forward rotation direction, the rolling surface provides a shear force on the top of the tread element that causes the ratchet-shaped sipes to open and provide additional edges, andwherein, when the tire is rotated in the second forward rotation direction, the rolling surface provides a shear force on the top of the tread element that causes the ratchet-shaped sipes to close, thereby eliminating the additional edges;mounting the tire on the vehicle in the first orientation for driving the vehicle in a first set of conditions; andmounting the tire on the vehicle in the second orientation for driving the vehicle in a second set of conditions.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the tire includes a first bead portion, a second bead portion, and at least one carcass ply extending from the first bead portion to the second bead portion.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the circumferential tread has a directional tread pattern.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising driving the vehicle in the first set of conditions and driving the vehicle in the second set of conditions.

5. A method of mounting a plurality of tires on a vehicle having a front axle and a rear axle, the method comprising: providing four tires, including a first tire, a second tire, a third tire, and a fourth tire, wherein each of the four tires has a first side, a second side, and a circumferential tread disposed about the tire and having a plurality of tread elements, each of the plurality of tread elements having a rolling surface and edges,wherein each of the plurality of tread elements has a plurality of sipes that are ratchet-shaped in a depth direction of the tire,wherein the plurality of sipes that are ratchet-shaped are disposed on a first half of the tread element and no sipes are disposed on a second half of the tread element,wherein the plurality of sipes that are ratchet-shaped in a depth direction of the tire causes the tire to exhibit a first tire performance when the tire is mounted on a vehicle in a first orientation and rotated in a first forward rotation direction, and a second tire performance that is different from the first tire performance when the tire is mounted on the vehicle in a second orientation and rotated in a second forward rotation direction, wherein, when the tire is rotated in the first forward rotation direction, the rolling surface provides a shear force on the top of the tread element that causes the ratchet-shaped sipes to open and provide additional edges,wherein, when the tire is rotated in the second forward rotation direction, the rolling surface provides a shear force on the top of the tread element that causes the ratchet-shaped sipes to close, thereby eliminating the additional edges,wherein the first side of each of the four tires is substantially the same,wherein the second side of each of the four tires is substantially the same, andwherein the circumferential tread of each of the four tires is substantially the same;mounting the first tire on a first wheel;mounting the second tire on a second wheel;mounting the third tire on a third wheel;mounting the fourth tire on a fourth wheel;mounting the first wheel on a left end of a front axle of the vehicle, such that the first side of the first tire faces away from the vehicle and such that the first tire is in the first orientation;mounting the second wheel on a right end of the front axle of the vehicle, such that the second side of the second tire faces away from the vehicle and such that the second tire is in the first orientation;mounting the third wheel on a left end of a rear axle of the vehicle, such that the first side of the third tire faces away from the vehicle and such that the third tire is in the first orientation;mounting the fourth wheel on a right end of the rear axle of the vehicle, such that the second side of the fourth tire faces away from the vehicle and such that the fourth tire is in the first orientation;removing the first wheel and first tire from the front axle of the vehicle;removing the second wheel and second tire from the front axle of the vehicle;removing the third wheel and third tire from the rear axle of the vehicle;removing the fourth wheel and fourth tire from the rear axle of the vehicle;mounting the first wheel and first tire on the right end of the rear axle of the vehicle, such that the first side of the first tire faces away from the vehicle and such that the first tire is in the second orientation;mounting the second wheel and second tire on the left end of the rear axle of the vehicle, such that the second side of the second tire faces away from the vehicle and such that the second tire is in the second orientation;mounting the third wheel and third tire on the right end of the front axle of the vehicle, such that the first side of the third tire faces away from the vehicle and such that the third tire is in the second orientation; andmounting the fourth wheel and fourth tire on the left end of the front axle of the vehicle, such that the second side of the fourth tire faces away from the vehicle and such that the fourth tire is in the second orientation.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein each of the four tires includes at least one indicia disposed on each side including an indicator designating the first forward rotation direction and the second forward rotation direction.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the at least one indicia identifies the first forward rotation direction as a summer rotation direction and identifies the second forward rotation direction as a winter rotation direction.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein each tread element has a rounded chamfer at a first end and an edge at a second end.